atw: Permanent or Contract

I think it is very important, when looking at the financial rewards of
contract work, to know yourself and know your market.  There are a number of
factors that have to be considered.

What city are you in and what industry sector? If you are working in
Canberra for govenment departments and have a security clearance, you can
consider yourself set for life.  You will be MORE secure than if you have a
permanent job just about anywhere, but particularly if you have a permanent
job in a more volatile market such as start-up IT companies.  If you are in
Melbourne, is Telstra recruiting or not?  If you are in Sydney....I guess
there is a major player there that the whole economy hinges on?  If you are
an SAP expert, name your price just about anywhere.

You also have to know how the overall market is moving and be prepared to
adjust to it.  Many writers saw the slump coming after Y2K and GST and
shifted into permanent.  We are now looking down the barrel of the next
round of boom times as all the systems implemented in 2000 reach their use
by date.  This is probably a good time to risk contract if you have half a
mind to do it.

Another, key factor is your own personality.  If you don't have a gambler's
personality, and like to make and stick to budgets, then contracting
anywhere other than Canberra is probably not for you.  If you get up
people's noses, then...well you work it out.

Christine

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